ILA SACHANI

By Anshika Singh 6B

Roll.no-6

Life of Ila Sachani

Ila Sachani, from Moti Vavdi village in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, is known

for her vibrant embroidery creations. Despite being born with hands

that couldn’t be used conventionally, Ila’s mother and grandmother,

skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her to embroider using her

feet. With determination, Ila mastered threading needles and learned

various embroidery styles beyond Gujarat. Initially creating designs

for family and friends, Ila’s talent soon gained local admiration and

government recognition. Her work was showcased at state exhibitions,

leading to national acclaim and awards, including the President’s

Medal. Through her art, Ila not only found financial independence but

also inspired others to overcome challenges with perseverance and

positivity. Her embroidery, crafted with her feet, exemplifies how art

transcends physical limitations to touch hearts and souls.

When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see lots of

bright colours. There are many lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, pillows, and more,

with beautiful designs. Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big smile, makes all these using

a shiny needle to create these designs. She is very good at Kathiawar embroidery—a style

that needs a lot of skill.

Ila Sachani’s journey began in the quiet setting of Amreli, Gujarat, where she was born into

a farmer’s family. From the beginning, life resented its challenges, as Ila was born with her

hands hanging loose by her sides. Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the

usual way. While other small hands drew figures in the sand or plucked wildflowers, she

wondered why she could not join them. She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands and

draw figures on a slate.

•Ila’s mother and grandmother encouraged the little girl and

were single-minded to help her overcome her challenge. They

were skilled in the traditional art of Kathiawar embroidery and

decided to share this art with Ila. They taught her to create

many beautiful patterns using her feet! It was certainly not an

easy task, but Ila accepted the challenge with determination.

Her parents also helped her learn to do things with her legs, like

eating and combing her hair.